What is the purpose of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy?
Bone marrow aspiration is used to: • pinpoint the cause of abnormal blood test results • confirm a diagnosis or check the status of severe anemia (abnormally low numbers of red blood cells in the bloodstream) of unknown cause, or other irregularities in the way blood cells are produced or become mature. • evaluate abnormalities in the blood’s ability to store iron. • diagnose infection Bone marrow biopsy is used to: • obtain intact bone marrow for laboratory analysis • diagnose and stage some types of cancer or anemia and other blood disorders • identify the source of an unexplained fever • diagnose fibrosis of bone marrow or myeloma (a tumor composed of cells normally found in the bone marrow) when bone marrow aspiration has failed to provide an appropriate specimen Bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy are also used to gauge the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other medical treatments. These procedures are often used together to ensure the availability of the best possible
